Products to use in aged care

Designing for dementia

Flooring is a key factor in designing a dementia environment as it has significant impact on safety and orientation, giving patients confidence, security and independence.

Forbo are committed to contributing towards a safe and pleasurable environment, and providing a sense of well-being, for residents of special care and dementia institutions. That's why we've partnered with Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), an international centre that draws on 25 years of global research and practice, to identify which of our products can contribute to improving quality of life for people with dementia.

DSDC & Forbo colleboration

Our dementia friendly flooring selection

There is no exact science to designing for dementia. What is ‘good and acceptable’ in one country may well be considered ‘questionable or not accepted’ in another. The key is to make decisions based on the demands of the specific project, on common sense, and on the basic design principles which lie at the heart of every interior design.

In a dementia environment no single design element stands alone. The floor is an integral part of the design, together with the wall colourings, doors, furniture, sanitary fitting and lighting schemes. Contrast in lightness between various objects is important, as is providing harmony within the individual objects.

The designs in our collections are coordinated and muted, so that people do not get confused or tempted to try to 'pick up' design elements from the floor. Our designs are matt, avoiding any disturbing reflection and, by their nature, providing a homely atmosphere.

Textile, vinyl and linoleum designs generate a recollection of the past and create an environment that looks like home. Finally, choices are made in a way that, when applied correctly, ensure there are no transitions between different surfaces that are difficult to manage in old age.

Colour and colour combinations

When designing for dementia, colour is a matter of taste. So in our selection we have not made a colour choice as such. Instead we closely analysed the contrast and harmony of the colours to ensure designs can be created that complement, and where necessary contrast with, the colours of other interior elements such as walls and furniture. Contrasting floor colours in a building can be used to indicate certain areas are off-limit, e.g. staff areas, or indicate a clearly different space, e.g. stairs, bathroom, or toilet.

Our dementia floor covering selection

For the applications in dementia environments we have selected the following floor coverings:

Marmoleum: Our natural Marmoleum floors are available in a wide range of tranquil allover designs. Marmoleum has a smooth surface which makes maneuvering easy even when walking has become a ‘shuffle’.
See the Marmoleum selection in our product finder

Step slip resistant vinyl: Step safety vinyl is available in natural wood and stone designs as well as various muted colors. The traditional shiny non slip particles have been replaced by mat crystals that do not light up.
See the Step safety flooring selection in our product finder

Eternal design vinyl sheet: Eternal is available in mute all over natural designs that mimic homely environments. Seamless application is ideal for corridors as well as living areas.
See the Eternal vinyl selection in our product finder

Allura luxury vinyl tiles: Allura tiles create realistic natural floors without the hazard of tripping or seams opening up. Easy to install and decorative. Out of the wide collection of designs we have chosen the most suitable and muted, tone in tone items.
See the Allura selection in our product finder

Flotex flocked flooring: this textile floor covering is created from a densely packed nylon flock surface mounted on a vinyl backing. It can be cleaned with water detergent and scrubbers and as such is the most hygienic textile in the market.
See the Flotex selection in our product finder

Marmoleum

Marmoleum is the desired flooring solution for aged care facilities. Senior care facilities and assisted living environments all benefit from Marmoleum as it's a hygienic floor covering solution that's easy to clean and maintain as well as being safe, durable and comfortable for wheeled and foot traffic.

✔ Infection control
✔ Phthalates free
✔ Prevents growth of bacteria
✔ Allergy approved
✔ Low emission

Marmoleum's ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria stems from the natural raw materials in its production, namely linseed oil. As a key property of Marmoleum, its anti-bacterial qualities won't diminish over time, delivering peace of mind and continual protection from the moment it's installed.

Independent testing by the University of Glasgow has proven that Marmoleum has a unique suitability for a diverse range of environments where hygiene and control of bacteria such as MRSA or E. coli is an everyday concern. The test results for MRSA, Norovirus and C-DIFF can be downloaded below.

LRVs & Dementia Downloads

Global partnerships

Forging global partnerships with our key clients is entrusted to our most experienced Key Account Managers. Dedicated to customer care, their only remit is to ensure that Forbo delivers you a flooring solution ideally suited to your needs.

• We can supply international quotations and have experience with international order processes and local regulations
• We manage international logistics
• 20 years partnerships with worldwide customers

As a global partner we stand next to you on a local level. Our design team will offer guidance and assistance as required. Our technicians speak the language of the flooring installers ensuring everybody is aligned.